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Bergen sits surrounded by some of Norway’s most striking scenery, and you do not need to go far to find it. The places to visit near Bergen range from deep fjords and quiet islands to glacier valleys and historic villages. Each spot has its own pace, shaped by nature and tradition. You can take a mountain train in Flåm, walk to a glacier viewpoint in Odda, or spend an hour at a hidden wooden church just outside the city. These places are close, easy to reach, and feel nothing like the city you just left.
Top 10 Places To Visit Near Bergen
From fjords to mountain villages, these places to visit near Bergen bring you closer to western Norway’s landscapes, history, and quiet rural life.
1. Hardangerfjord
Photo: Holger Uwe Schmitt / Wikimedia Commons
You cannot talk about places to visit near Bergen without heading straight to Hardangerfjord. It stretches inland for over 170 kilometres and gives you some of Norway’s most dramatic scenery without needing a long journey. The fjord area is perfect if you want to see both water and mountains in one go. Start with the drive along Sørfjorden, where orchards run right down to the water. In spring, the blossom season brings pink and white colours to the entire valley. From the village of Lofthus, you can hike up to the Queen’s Trail for sweeping views. Eidfjord is a quieter base, close to the Vøringsfossen waterfall and Hardangervidda plateau.
Distance From Bergen: 101.1 km
Timings: 24*7
Cost: kr 600 / ₹5400
Major Attractions: Trolltunga, Vøringsfossen Waterfall, Hardangervidda National Park
2. Flåm
Flåm is one of those places to see near Bergen that lives up to every image you’ve seen. Tucked at the end of Aurlandsfjord, this small village is best known for the Flåm Railway. The journey from the highlands down to the fjord runs through 20 tunnels and past steep waterfalls. It’s worth planning a night here so you’re not rushing. Take time to walk or cycle the old navvy road next to the tracks, especially in summer when the hills are green and waterfalls are strong. You can also go kayaking in the quiet morning hours or book a fjord safari that zips past sheer cliffs and goat farms.
Distance From Bergen: 167 km
Timings: 24*7
Cost: kr 500 / ₹4500
Major Attractions: Flåm Railway, Aurlandsfjord, Stegastein Viewpoint
3. Odda
Photo: Mike Benna / Wikimedia Commons
Odda sits at the southern edge of Sørfjorden and stands out among the places to visit near Bergen for its access to Trolltunga and glacier views without long detours. The town has an industrial past, but today it’s a base for outdoor travel. You can walk the lakeside path in the early morning before the hiking traffic builds. From here, most people set off to Trolltunga. Even if you don’t do the full 10-hour trek, you can still enjoy shorter routes like the walk to the Tyssedal Hydroelectric Museum, which explains how water shaped this entire valley. The road south of Odda leads to the twin falls of Låtefossen, which burst out of the rocks beside the highway.
Distance From Bergen: 134 km
Timings: 24*7
Major Attractions: Trolltunga base, Folgefonna Glacier, Latefossen
4. Rosendal
Photo: Arild Vågen / Wikimedia Commons
Rosendal feels quiet and personal compared to the bigger fjord villages, but it deserves its place among the best tourist attractions near Bergen. The town sits where the fjord meets the Kvinnheradsfjella mountains, and its most well-known landmark is the Barony of Rosendal. This 17th-century estate is the only one of its kind in Norway, with a rose garden, formal grounds, and a manor filled with portraits and books. You can walk the grounds freely or book a short guided tour through the main house. Rosendal also gives you access to hiking routes that lead into the alpine terrain of Folgefonna National Park. The glacier itself is visible from parts of the valley, but the real reward comes from quieter walks like the trail to Malmangernuten Peak. The waterfront path near the harbour is peaceful, and boats often leave from here to fjord villages or Bergen. Local restaurants serve seafood brought in the same morning.
Distance From Bergen: 119 km
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Cost: kr 150 / ₹1400
Major Attractions: The Barony, Kvinnheradsfjella, Folgefonna access
5. Voss
Photo: Grisha Levit / Wikimedia Commons
Voss is more than just a stop on the way to the fjords and is one of the most active attractions near Bergen. The town sits between mountains, rivers, and lakes, and it’s built around both nature and sport. You can take the Voss Gondol straight from the train station to Mount Hanguren, where walking trails begin right at the top. The views here stretch all the way across the valley, and in winter, the same area becomes a ski centre. For those looking for something faster, Voss offers white-water rafting on the Stranda River and skydiving that lands right near the lake.
Distance From Bergen: 102 km
Timings: 24*7
Cost: kr 3,000 / ₹27000 (Skydiving)
Major Attractions: Voss Gondol, Tvindefossen, adventure sports
6. Øygarden
Photo: Trolvag / Wikimedia Commons
Øygarden is one of the easiest places to visit near Bergen if you want to see Norway’s raw western coast without travelling far. The drive takes you over a series of high bridges that link dozens of rocky islands. Once you arrive, you’ll notice the shift from forests to open sea views and wind-shaped rocks. This coastal region is best explored by car or bicycle. Stop at the North Sea Trail for a shoreline walk that brings you to war bunkers and quiet coves. The Øygarden Coastal Museum gives context to how people lived and worked in these fishing villages for centuries, and from its small jetty, you can sometimes spot seals.
Distance From Bergen: 110 km
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM (museum)
Cost: kr 100 / ₹900
Major Attractions: North Sea views, bridges, Coastal Museum
7. Fantoft Stave Church
Photo: Svein-Magne Tunli – www.tunliweb.no / Wikimedia Commons
Fantoft Stave Church is one of the most accessible places to visit near Bergen, but it feels far removed from the city. Tucked into a wooded area, this reconstructed church gives you a sense of Norway’s medieval wooden architecture. The original structure dated back to the 12th century and was moved here from Sogn in the 1880s. After it was destroyed by fire in the 1990s, it was carefully rebuilt using traditional methods. Now it is a dark timber church with dragonhead carvings and layered gables. You reach it by walking through quiet forest paths, and even during busy months, the area stays calm.
Distance From Bergen: 7.9 km
Timings: 10:30 AM – 6 PM
Cost: kr 100 / ₹900
Major Attractions: Reconstructed medieval church, forest surroundings
8. Austevoll
Photo: Marius Vassnes / Wikimedia Commons
Austevoll is a group of islands south of Bergen, known for its fishing heritage, quiet coves, and seafood dining. Among the places to visit near Bergen, it stands out because it lets you slow down. You reach it by a short ferry ride, and from there, it’s best to explore by car or bike. The landscape changes quickly with bare cliffs, calm harbours, and small farms set right by the sea. The village of Bekkjarvik is the heart of Austevoll. It’s a guesthouse, once a 17th-century inn, now includes a restaurant led by a Bocuse d’Or-winning chef who uses local catch in every course.
Distance From Bergen: 42.5 km
Timings: 24*7
Cost: kr 100 / ₹900 (Ferry)
Major Attractions: Island exploration, seafood, and Bekkjarvik
9. Norheimsund
Photo: Jan Aril Sivertsen / Wikimedia Commons
Norheimsund sits beside the Hardangerfjord and offers a blend of natural sights and local history, making it one of the more rounded places to visit near Bergen. It’s best known for Steinsdalsfossen, a waterfall you can walk behind without getting soaked. The path takes you through mossy ground to a dry walkway under the falling water, making it a favourite for families and photographers. Just beyond the falls, the town has a compact harbour where small boats and ferries dock throughout the day. A short walk brings you to the Norwegian Museum of Hydropower and Industry, which shows how waterfalls like Steinsdalsfossen once powered entire valleys.
Distance From Bergen: 77.1 km
Timings: 24*7
Major Attractions: Steinsdalsfossen waterfall, hydropower museum
10. Utne
Photo: Jeblad / Wikimedia Commons
Utne is one of the oldest ferry stops along Hardangerfjord and offers a quieter look at fjord life. The small village sits between mountains and water, and you can still see how it served as a meeting point for farming families, merchants, and boatmen. The Hardanger Folk Museum is the main attraction, with collections of regional costumes, historic boats, and traditional musical instruments. Outside, the open-air section has turf-roofed buildings and apple orchards that date back generations. You can walk through the gardens with views over the fjord or sit under the fruit trees if you visit in early autumn.
Distance From Bergen: 122.2 km
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (museum)
Cost: kr 100 / ₹900 (ferry) & kr 120 / ₹1080 (museum)
Major Attractions: Hardanger Folk Museum, fjord views
Discover incredible places to visit near Bergen without long drives or complicated routes. Stand behind stunning waterfalls in Norheimsund, hike scenic mountain trails in Rosendal, enjoy a historic fjord train journey in Flåm, or relax by the sea in Austevoll. Each destination offers a unique taste of Western Norway. Even short trips create lasting memories. Plan your side trips with TripXL and explore Norway beyond postcard views during your Bergen stay.
Cover Photo: Joshua Kettle / Unsplash
